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"But God gave the increase."

Text: 1 Corinthians 3:6

A CORRECT PERSPECTIVE

What would be the correct perspective of how to view the ministers of God? Paul gave a straightforward answer!

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
So then neither he who plants is anything,
nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
Now he who plants and he who waters are one,
and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labour.”
1 Corinthians 3:6-8

1. A humble but honest evaluation

a) The work of planting the church

This was done by the Apostle Paul.

b) The work of watering the seeds of faith planted

This was done by Apollos.

c) The work of making the seeds grow to fruition

Only God could give the increase! Neither Paul nor Apollos could have achieved this!

d) Thus, there should be no undue emphasis on any one’s contribution!

2. All of one

a) Paul was thinking of the idea of being a “team”.

b) He and Apollos were in the same team.

c) They are “all of one”.

d) It would be wrong to have factions if all are in the same team.

e) To continue to have factions would underscore his charge of carnality.

3. Rewards

a) This could come in a number of forms.

i) Commendation

ii) Recognition

iii) Blessings in this life

iv) A reward of the crown of righteousness/ life in heaven

b) “Each one will receive his own reward according to his own labour”

i) Paul was confident that God would not forget the labour of each of His servants.

ii) The Lord would reward according to the labour of each one.